Perham Area Taekwondo and Hapkido School Opens Under Master Cameron Kerns

The way of the Jedi brought Cameron Kerns to martial arts. Now a master black belt in taekwondo and a black belt in hapkido, Kerns has opened Perham Area Taekwondo & Hapkido at the Perham Area Community Center, adding a new training option for residents of all ages.

Kerns owns the school and teaches all the classes himself. He describes the two disciplines as distinct but complementary: taekwondo focuses on striking with the fist and foot, while hapkido teaches self-defense through throws, grappling, joint-lock manipulation and more.

Classes run Mondays and Wednesdays. Taekwondo sessions for children ages 5 to 12 are held at 4 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. An all-ages taekwondo class follows at 6 p.m. Hapkido, reserved for those 13 and older, begins at 7 p.m.

The first two classes are free. After that, the monthly due is $75. Kerns offers a discounted rate for a second family member who enrolls, and extends the same discount to anyone who signs up for both taekwondo and hapkido. To register or ask questions, call Kerns directly at (218) 849-9847 or contact the school through its Perham Area Taekwondo & Hapkido Facebook page.

The school's roots in Perham run deeper than the new sign. Kerns said taekwondo has been taught in the community since 1982. Most recently, Master Nick Bretz of Park Rapids led the classes, but Bretz wanted to free up personal time. Rather than let the program disappear, Bretz contacted Kerns' teacher in Detroit Lakes to find someone willing to keep it going. Kerns stepped in.

The school is currently operating out of the PACC, and Kerns made clear he is grateful for the arrangement. "Obviously, if we have the opportunity to expand and grow so we get our own space, that would be amazing," he said. "But, they've (PACC) partnered with us and given us so much opportunity, and I can't thank them enough for what they're doing.